As expected, Wilshere was omitted from Stuart Pearce's squad despite
previously claiming a strong desire to be involved. Arsene Wenger had already made his opposition known. But, after being shown information provided by Arsenal's sports science department who use GPS technology to monitor his work-rate, Wilshere realised precisely what was happening.

''It didn't really sink in at first but the figures just kept going down, on a
downward spiral,'' he said. ''It scared me a bit and made me realise as much as I can keep going and going, there's a time when you're going to hit the wall. Maybe that was coming.

''It showed that I was heading for an injury and that is the last thing I
want. I am 19 and with the Euros coming up, it was in everyone's best interests for
me to rest. I think Stuart Pearce agreed with me.''

Wilshere, who has played 58 gams this season, added that he would have gone if he had been included in the squad, but is pleased of the chance to rest up.

''Missing the Under-21s is not just about the Euros,'' he said. ''It is
about me looking after myself. Over the last few weeks, I have been feeling tired and my GPS results have shown that.

''It shows I am heading for an injury and that is the last thing I want.
Especially heading into the Euros. There are players like Steven Gerrard who
have been injured while I have been playing and if I want to keep my place in
the team I have to be 100%.''

He added: ''It was a bit awkward but he [Pearce] was very
understanding. He made it easy really. Over the last four games, after about 60 minutes, I started to feel a bit more tired than I would have done in January.

''If I was in the squad, I would have gone. I love playing for England. Every
time I get in a provisional squad now, I am buzzing. To put on an England shirt
is a dream.''